Welcome to the blog story that is traditional. Let’s review of what I said last year with a twist:

Like Sgt. Hulka used to say in the movie Stripes: “before we proceed any further, we gotta get something straight.”

I’m going to be taking this blog to new heights. It’s not just going to be the same old song and dance. Nope, that is going to be one and done. It’s going to more than just one blog story. No matter if you are in America or in freaking India, be ready. This blog thing will one day, get real. If I got to get my Periscope, or own video thing on here to help my stories, well: that’s what I have to do one day. What does all this mean? It means that I have to get better with the idea of blogging with the issues and concerns. I have to. It’s not just that thing that needs to be done, it must be done to improve. To inspire and yes, to get to the point of view that I need to display.

Yes, folks will walk tall, shoulders back, chin up, conscious up to the 10th level, and of course, this is an idea that would be beneficial. I thought about destroying this blog and ending a 10+ year streak, all because of other concerns of boredom or that same story. But wait…..this could be a benefit to help and inspire. While many might think that one story from a blog is all there is, think again!

“Stephen’s Spot” is not just about one blog story. Or one picture. Or one anything. It can be revolutionary, inspirational, conscious, fun, life experienced, or just plain normal. It’s not a one dance show. It’s one in the million that can be experienced if many take the time to read more than one. Now, I know many are just now discovering the blog based on what I have written back in 2014 or whatever. But if you (yes you) the reader actually like what I write here, in a sense of right now, thank you.

Knowingly I can’t control what others might read, but by me writing more, and thinking more, it will be fully objectionable for me to carry on. I’m in the 40-year-old plus age bracket, and yes this age bracket will indeed test my theory and summarize.

So guess what: you want Stephen’s Spot? I’ll give you Stephen’s Spot! This is no same old song and dance. Nope, not here!

So for now: let’s start my New Year’s Tradition of Stephen’s Spot that doesn’t need a repeat: What do I want to see and not want to see in 2019! 19 things by the way.

It’s GO TIME!

First Five I want to see in THAT YEAR OF 2019:

Employment/Health & Wellness/Politics/Voting

1) It’s time to work, folks. If this is the year that you will get that real job, the time is now! No more wasting time by waiting on others. It won’t work. We need to have a “Career Awareness Month”. We need to have better job fairs, career expos, have a “seasonal vet” career fair for the mature folks. Not that watered down stuff that many are getting. Even if you still have that degree in the display, that many will pass up. We have to do EXTRA better.

2) If you got to get yourself checked, do it. You know where the doctors are. As well as the dentists, eye examination folks and more. Matter of fact some of them might be near you right now. And while we’re at it, we need to for real get educated about the issues of health. I hear say, “you need to do this or that”. or “you need a flu shot.” BEFORE ANY THAT HAPPENS: ASK QUESTIONS! Forget what you saw on Facebook, know that real stuff first! Really stop and ask definite questions!

3) 2019 also means that the Congress will take over with some new #45 laws being placed unfairly. If any of the new members screw up, get on their case! Don’t just complain on social media, complain to the So-and-sos! Write letters or emails with proper sentences! You can do that, you know. Oh, and if you approve of the work that some or many are doing to help this country and mainly in your districts, show some love! Volunteer or work on their staff, help in politics on their behalf. Be an Able Body Person to carry that out!

4) You should know that 2019 is a “mini” voting year? Oh, you didn’t know this? Pay attention! It’s not the Presidential election, but maybe some of your County Judges or Superintendents will up be running on the ballot. Do better!

5) Speaking of the voting thing, this would be a good time to get your voter registration checked and/or updated to get ready for the 2019-20 election years. I want to see this happen even more. Forget waiting until 2020! It’s best to do it NOW!

Next Five I don’t want to see:Church/African-Americans/Credit Checks/Not Voting

6) Like last year, and the year before that and previous years: I don’t want to see NO ONE complaining about the lack of this or that in the church. If you don’t have a certain something going in your church, then make something happen! Keep at it! What did I say after my father’s passing in 2017: Be empowered, and Stay in the fight!

7) And like many many years ago: I don’t want to see black folks putting other black folks down for stupid pathetic reasons! No matter what happens we must continue to look in the mirror and raise up. Either for Jobs, Education (past or present) contributions, clubs/organizations etc. And that goes for anyone else. It doesn’t matter what you got with you. Either way, NO EXCUSES!

8) Never EVER OVERLOOK THIS: Black Queens: you say you LOVE us Black Kings right? DO YOU?! Here is a “whenever you get a chance” challenge that you might not think. Cater to us for ONE DAY at a restaurant, or maybe give us a day that we might enjoy. Think it over! Many of you got Brothers, Fathers, Uncles, Husbands, Boyfriends, Cousins, Neighbors, and many other male influences that you probably know that need that appreciation! Even Black Kings whom you overlook a lot, never thought about, or being Single and no relationships. You guys go all out for your thing and we’re in the seats. Why not us?

9) I HOPE TO GOD, I don’t want to see credit checks on black folks no more. Matter of fact, not on anyone anywhere with credit checks!

10) I don’t want to see those who didn’t vote to gloat. Guess what: Elections have Consequences. Period!

Five More things I want to see:

Alumni Associations/Results Doing Actual Work and Milestones/ Black Church Groups/Black Community/Fraternities and Sororities

11) I want to see more of us ALUMNI (YOUNG AND OLD) to reinvest in our Alumni Groups. Not just for the class reunions and everyone also shows up broke, mad, left out and uninformed. If you get pissed about not being informed about a class reunion or gathering, DO NOT GET MAD AT THE ALUMNI COMMITTEE! You need to be backing up your Alumni Contacts from your classmates, anyway. And if your Alumni Organizations messes up, get on their case!

12) I want to see the results of us “doing the work”. Not just the partial results of patting on the back and say “nice work”. But also what did it took to get the results needed. And if your employee is celebrating a milestone of service (10, 20, etc), give him or her the due of respect. It’s the right thing to do. Or even if no one gives you a pin of service: give yourself one!

13) I want us “non-scared and scared grown folks in the Black Church Groups” to talk to our youth. Seriously talk to them. Some of them need us to come to them. I don’t care if they are in the schools shooting basketballs or at the community centers or in church playing Chess or Madden. Or double dutching, or even learning a praise dance. Even tutoring and READING BOOKS! Let’s learn to #HashtagAndTalk to our young folks. Male members of the church: get the young men involved in these groups! Women, you know what it is.

14) I want to see more black folks in the communities who think there is nothing there to do, start something! Stop complaining! Stop moaning! Get up and get out and make the stuff happen! Such as Health stuff, job applications, resumes, networking, organizing a business venture. Able Body folks, if you’re still standing outside of a Walgreens or a Gas Station asking for money, and if you can still move around, get inside that building and ask for an application! Why is that so hard?

15) Like last year and year ago, here is a thought: I want to see ALL fraternities, and ALL sororities to “recruit and meet up” with seasoned vets that can help out. Especially those of the black fraternities and sororities. All of the Divine 9 folks: From the Alphas to the Iotas and from the AKA’s to the Sigma Gamma Rho’s: Have a day in which YOU need to go out to the seasoned vets of those who are 40-ish and up that want to join up to support the groups you represent. And also, don’t be so VERY judgmental about those who are at that 40’s range. The best place to find us: either at our church events, alumni group meetings, etc. And this goes for the American Legion Family, Masons, Elks, Eastern Stars, and etc. WE SEE YOU! You need to re-introduce yourselves!

Final four: I want not to see and want to see.Black Lives Matter/Volunteerism/Grown After 18/If it doesn’t work…..

16) Of all the things I don’t want to see: enough of the blame game on Black Lives Matter that seemed violent or racist. For all you Blue Lives Matter or copying off the Black Lives Matter Movement, you will suck. Instead of hating on Black Lives Matter at least go to a meeting or hear from those who lost a brother, or sister or a parent that was black. Take notes, Blue Lives Matter. And don’t front!MASSIVE NEW YEAR’S CALLOUT: And also white folks: enough calling the cops on black folks doing CIVILIZED stuff like campaigns, jobs, barbecues, community projects, volunteering or even waiting on a client, going into their apartment, swimming, selling lemonade, or to be SEATED AT A RESTAURANT OR AT STARBUCKS! Be advised and WARNED; if you work at a job, you will be fired for these stupid acts! And it takes a SMARTPHONE with video to get you TERMINATED!

17) Now, this probably might work in this 2019: Get grown in your own work and volunteerism. We know what we need to do, and what to do this year. So why not get involved? And the time is right now! Didn’t I say it’s time to work?

18) This is for the grown folks 18 and up: HANDLE your grown business! After all, we supposed to be grown after 18, right?

19) If any of the plans that don’t work, This should be seen and heard by EVERYONE: If there are things that might be difficult, stressful, unhealthy, not financially, and many others, Leave it alone! Find a Plan B, or what you know best and stick to that! Keywords: PLAN B!

Oh you know I’m about to go in. 2018 had me crazy! It had me on point, it had me on rotation, and it had me bugged out. But at the end of me asking these crazy questions we might understand it better. But…since this is the last Scratching my Head all this time of the year, but it’s not the last! So as we countdown to the last ticks of 2018, and we prepare for our Watch Night Services, All Night parties, and family gathering to usher in 2019, and yes to get our resolutions out of what we want to do in all: you’ve guessed it, I’m scratching my head YET AGAIN!

Alright, who remembers any of my blog posts from 10 years ago?

Did anyone really pay attention to the fact that the 45 Administration is getting punked with all the Government Shutdowns in all?

What’s up with the Bird Box?

How will the Governor-Elect Tony Evers Crew really will tame the still Republican Legislature in the first term?

Why is White Supremacy still a maximum problem? Even if it’s a problem among black people in 2018?

What will be next for the Green Bay Packers that got knocked the “F” out of the playoffs, knowing that the team will rebuild and reform for the 2019-2020 Season?

You know that the Milwaukee Bucks are for real, right?

So Milwaukee, has anyone really benefited from riding the streetcar thus far in its free year?

Will the Fiserv Forum be that new guard changing of the now “soon to be dust” Bradley Center?

When Stan Lee passed away, did Bill Maher actually checked him to see he served in the Military? Mainly WWII?! Many need answers!

How many folks outside of Wisconsin never knew anything about the late great Vel Phillips?

What was the best car in 2018?

What were the worst jobs of 2018 that many will NEVER DO AGAIN?

Why did the black websites and Facebook Pages kept repeatedly on rotation published the same story about Pastor John Gray and that Lamborghini gift to his wife?

Level with me OWN viewers, what was the real reason why Love Is was canceled?

For all the black women that watched this show and I know you did: Why BET’s Mancave?

Was this the first year that many REALLY recognized International Men’s Day in November?!

For all of the Becky’s and other white folks that called the police on black folks doing civilized stuff this year and you know you did, where were your conscious minds at doing that foolishness?

Did the #MeToo Movement reach its breaking point in a sense of things that backfired?

If you smelled like Marijuana all through 2018, and you’re in the store or were in a store, did you remember to wash up before leaving the house?

For all those hated Introverts, especially BLACK Introverts, why you picked on them? Like seriously.

Will anymore Black Pastors meet with 45 in 2019 that embarrassed themselves in 2018?

So, Mutant Football League on the Nintendo Switch is making a good impression. What will it actually take for EA to get a Madden game on the system?

Most recently, I’ve seen black authors publish their books on Amazon about their Introvert experience in 2018. I need to see more. Can that happen?

Was Diablo III for the Nintendo Switch really good?

Oh, this needs to be asked, Wolfenstein II was HOT in 2018. Will it be a sequel for the Nintendo Switch?

Which jobs or careers were or are beneficial for the introverted crowd in Wisconsin in 2018?

In 2018, did many benefited using bitcoins?

In this year of stock investing, who bought a share of the Nike Stock or yet, Marijuana stock?

When the Grads of 2018 had their moment of commencements, why were some were being touched by those after dancing on stage?

Who has or is really learning from Roland Martin’s show online?

What was the worst interview this country has ever seen in 2018?

Was Black Panther that darn good this year at the movies and on DVD?

Black Church folks, are you ready for the Watch Night Services?

Was not getting the flu shot that worst in 2018?!

Black Milwaukee, what was better in 2018: WNOV 860AM between 9am-12pm or 1510AM WRRD between 9am-12pm?

So now the WWE will be getting the Women’s Tag Team Belts in 2019. But…………….what about a title that is a mid-carder for the women’s squad? For Raw, Smackdown, and NXT?

Black folks, why are we still saying the N-Word?

In 2018: who got promoted?

In 2018: who actually voted? Not just one time during the midterm election!

In 2018: Did many actually went to the doctor?

In 2018: Did any of you retained your resolutions?

In 2018: Milwaukee, did you enjoyed the Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary? As well as Summerfest?

In 2018: Black folks, especially in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, I know this was reported, why all the “underground pledging” that sends your pledging member in the ER?!!!

In 2018: Have any of you saved up financially for that nest egg?

In 2018: level with me, how many times that many of you DID NOT support your Alumni groups?

In 2018: Who did the most work in your community?

In 2018: Who did no work in the community? They need to be called out.

In 2018: Who was the “Dark Horse” in your family, church, organizations, etc?

In 2018: who has a job lined up for 2019 that will be even MORE SECURE?

In 2018: Who wanted a job lined up that no one wanted but applied anyway?

In 2018: How many churches you prayed to, in order to be the best they can?

In 2018: What influenced you to vote against the Republicans that many despised?

If you are a Veteran or related to a Veteran, did you call out a Veteran that protested in support of the Wall in 2018?

The American Legion will be 100 years old in 2019, right? I want to know how many African-Americans will join up and also, how many Sons of Black Veterans will join the Sons of the American Legion? Even Black Daughters the same with the Auxillary?

How many liked Black Lightning this year?

In Milwaukee, many of us have seen the sample of Light the Hoan. Who made a donation in 2018?

Black Methodists in Wisconsin, guess what? BMCR made a comeback this year. What did you think?

United Methodist Men in Wisconsin, there is a metro men’s group in town looking for “Men at Work”. Have you checked out any the meetings this year? If so, what did you think?

Who was this Jacquees dude, and why is claiming to be the King of R&B? Like in 2018?!

So I have heard that some of the GM cars might be on the chopping block in the year ahead, Which of those cars will be less to buy in the future?

Was it really a downer that Luke Cage was canceled on Netflix?

I need to ask also, who missed Scandal?

With all the retirees retired this year, who is next to go in 2019?

Many of us watched the Pinstripe Bowl when the Badgers beat Miami. A good game of course. So many questions like where were this Badgers team all year?!

If many still did blackface in 2018 which was shameful, can many not do it in 2019?

Who actually “migrated” out if Milwaukee that moved to Atlanta or Texas just to get away from the racism but only to realize that racism is everywhere?

Was it really necessary that 45 pulled the troops out of Syria?

If you hated Church folks so much in 2018, why keep talking about it?!

If many did this in 2018: Resumes. Did many kill it for job interviews?

Can someone explain the bad connection between buying Christmas gifts and Tax Time?

In all of the 1,000 posts so far, what wasn’t mentioned?

In all of the 1,000 posts what was learned from you?

In all of the 1,000 posts did anyone ever to follow what else I had to say?

Which Wisconsin teams surprised many in 2018? Brewers or Bucks?

Of all the folks who passed away this year, who was the main person that didn’t receive much recognition?

Of all the folks who were honored this year for their hard work, who didn’t get any recognition after their hard work?

Anyone lost their job unfairly in 2018?

Who was EMBARRASSED HARSHLY in 2018 that will not go away? And will it take to heal?

And this is the last question before the ball drops and clocks out for 2018: What will you carry into 2019 that you learned in 2018? And also, what will you NOT take into 2019 that you went through hellfire and brimstone in 2018?

Time to archive 2018. Its time the year of the dog is to be archived in the Dog House. But of course, the living examples of voting, racism, protesting, and yet many others will linger on. Well know, it’s about time that the year of 2018, is now over. But before that happens of dropping balls and popping corks: lets us review the year that was. So now, in that case, it’s time for the Traditional Stephen’s Spot Annual Review blog of 2018! It’s time to review, summarize and learn from the year has gone by very efficiently.

The Good Nationally:

Most recently on December 28th, 2018: The Dow Jones ended the year at 23,062.40.

The Affordable Care Act got new folks to sign up for the insurance. Just like last year, despite the thought of losing its mandate.

The Boston Red Sox won a World Series Title. Their 9th actually.

The Golden State Warriors won another NBA Championship.

For the NFL: A first for Philadelphia winning the big game: Superbowl 52, Featuring former Wisconsin Badgers RB Corey Clement.

Pete Souza’s Book, Shade sold very well in the retaliation of 45’s Tweets.

Barack Obama is still admired.

The March for our Lives Rally was about the youth and anti-gun violence.

For the NCAA Men’s Basketball: Villanova.

For the NCAA’s Women’s Basketball: Notre Dame.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married.

Yet on TV Again: How To Get Away With Murder, Empire, The Haves and Have Nots, and Blackish still dominate.

On YouTube Red: Cobra Kai.

Heard that Barack Obama and Netflix might be a connectable match coming up.

Scandal ends after 7 Seasons. Great ride.

And yet, Modern Family continues to roll.

Black Lightning had a STRONG debut of Season 1.

Yet again, the Hallmark Christmas specials came back for another year. With black leading cast roles!

TGIF returns to ABC. That’s Thank Goodness it’s Funny for those not born before 1990.

WWE Raw and Smackdown Live were huge in 2018. Ranging from the Women’s Division rising up, NXT and also PVV’s of the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania. Plus the Greatest Royal Rumble. And the PPV Evolution had a strong debut for the Women’s Department.

Milestones in 2018:

Silent Night – 200 years.

The Assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were marked at 50 years.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity and the March on Washington was summarized after 55 Years.

The ending of WWI was marked with 100 years on Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day).

For the United Methodist Church: the biggest news that the Denomination celebrated it’s golden year of 50 since the newly created organization was founded in May of 1968.

NASA turned 60 years old this year and the Apollo 8 Mission is highlighted after 50 years of it’s Christmas Eve Space Flight. Milwaukee Native and Veteran Astronaut James Lovell was a featured speaker recently.

The Nintendo Switch still made a surge in sales.TRADE ALERT NATIONALLY:

Roland Martin was under contract via TVOne until the Summer of 2018. Now, he owns (OWNS) a daily digital show called, Roland Martin Unfiltered. With this show, Roland highlights the daily news topics of politics and special reports. His show is making a mark of what is missing that the major networks don’t cover nor talk about. Plus his theme song is performed by EnVogue.

Lebron James goes from Cleveland Cavs to the L.A. Lakers.

Straight Outta Wisconsin in a good way:

Tony Evers BEAT Scott Walker for the Wisconsin Governor Election. Thus also, Former State Rep Mandela Barnes becomes the first black Lt. Governor in Wisconsin’s 170th-year history. More recently, the newly Governor-Elect appointed Carolyn Stanford Taylor to be the next State Superintendent of Schools: Another FIRST For Wisconsin’s Black History.

According to the recent reports, the unemployment rate around Wisconsin is hovering under 17%. But still, a way to go.

For the Wisconsin Badgers Football team: The Team has a few downs and mostly ups. The team finished 8-5 overall in the 2018 Season. Jonathan Taylor becomes the latest Badger to finish with All-American Honors. And recently qualified for a bowl game, a Pinstripe Bowl game to defeat Miami 35-3.

Milwaukee Police Department goes after Reckless Drivers in the Hot Spot Zones of the city. Just like last year.

For the Green Bay Packers: Not so much this year. Despite a 6-9-1 record on the standings, the organization surpassed 100 Seasons in the NFL. Jimmy Graham was traded to the Packers from New Orleans. Davante Adams became a new force in the wide receiver angle for the team. Blake Martinez, Kyle Fackrell stepped up the defensive side of the team, and Aaron Rodgers signed a 100,000.000 contract for the next couple of years to keep him in the green and gold until he turns 40. (If possible)

The Good Locally

Light the Hoan. Get used saying that name, because they will “Light The Hoan!” Oh and the sample was good!

Attention Black Milwaukeeans and Wisconsinites: Black Arts Fest MKE debuts after a 5-year absence of no Arts Festival for the Black Community on the Lakefront.

The Milwaukee Public Schools welcomed back the Alumni again. For the third time at The Tripoli Shrine Center!

Here’s a shocker, Milwaukee was recently listed as one of the cities in the U.S. that you can start a business.

A portion of 4th Street between St. Paul Avenue and Capitol Drive has been named after Vel Phillips.

The Milwaukee Brewers finished the season with a strong ending of 96 Wins 67 Losses, capturing the NL Central Division, and were the runner-up in the NLDS vs the LA Dodgers. Christian Yelich was chosen the NL Player of the year of 2018.

The Fiserv Forum opens its doors for business and entertainment. While conversely, the Bradley Center ends its 30-year reign.

The Milwaukee Bucks had a strong season this year earlier finishing 42 wins, 40 losses. Ending up in the 6th seed in the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs as a runner-up vs the Boston Celtics. Since moving to the new Fiserv Forum, the team got a new coach, Mike Budenhozer and as of this week ending in 2018, the team was 24-10, and in first place in the Eastern Conference.

The Bublr Bikes still expanded. Again!

Ikea debuts in Oak Creek.

Since 2016, the BMO Harris Bank was demolished after the Sherman Park Riots. The Bank has been rebuilt and also in the building of the former bank rose a Phoenix. A Sherman Phoenix!

Amazon will build a plant in Oak Creek by 2021.

The Grand Avenue Mall is getting a makeover.

The Old Warner Grand Theater (or the Grand Theater to the current heads) will become the new home of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

The BMO Harris Tower is under construction in Downtown Milwaukee.

Milwaukee County: Sheriff Earnell Lucas was voted to lead the Sheriff’s Department.

Well known to retire locally:

For the retirees in Milwaukee: Kathy Mykelby of Channel 12 retires after 38 years of Broadcasting. Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn retired after 40+ years in Law Enforcement.

Also celebrated milestones locally:

Harley-Davidson marked 115 years as a motorcycle company. And featured several attractions of bike races on Bradford Beach and many others. The race on Bradford Beach was a first for Harley in over 100 years. If those were wondering, that’s part of how Harley was noticed. Also, the traditional Harley-Davidson Parade concluded the festivities along Wisconsin Avenue.

50 years ago, Milwaukee had an Open Housing March that ended in 1968, following up from the year earlier. Thus starting up the Housing Laws.

Hold Up: Those that left professions locally:

Several Milwaukee TV personalities recently left their craft all over the city but now, they have decided to find new ideas in their careers. Fox 6’s Beverly Taylor and Myra Sanchick, plus Today’s TMJ 4’s Tatiana Cash have resigned from their professions. We thank them for their Milwaukee TV Broadcasting Services.TRADE ALERT LOCALLY: In late July, a shocking announcement (via Social Media) that “The Forum” with Sherwin Hughes on 860AM WNOV was ending its 6-year reign. But several weeks later on August 13th, 2018 it was resurrected and started fresh on another station, Real Resistance Radio, 1510AM WRRD.The Bad Nationally

Racism struck again in America.

Most of the Black Republicans were not very vocal against the 45.

School Shootings in Parkland, Florida.

45 made stingy enemies out of April D. Ryan, Yamiche Alcindor, Jemele Hill, Stacy Abrams, Andrew Gilliam, Joy-Ann Reid, and many other African-American folks that protested and commented against the so-called President. Even against Congresswoman “Auntie” Maxine Waters.

The Senate retained the position overseen by Republicans.

Many of the Caucasian Americans had false accusations of Black folks ranging from barbecuing, shopping, entering their place of residence, jobs, campaigns and many other constructive ideas and objectives.

Nigeria faced flooding issues. As well as Japan and North Korea.

Several members of the 45 Administration were fired or resigned despite the position of power.

Bill Cosby – formally known as America’s Favorite Dad, was off to jail.

California Wildfires

John Acosta of CNN gets booted from the White House after questioning 45. Then came back in due to his First Amendment Rights.

Families separated near the U.S. Mexico Border.

Larry Nassar – the now former USA Gymnastics/Michigan State Doctor goes to prison. All or most of the 175 years sentencing.

Shootings in Bakersfield, California.

Shootings in Alabama.

School Shootings in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The 45 Administration just loved Government Shutdowns.

Cambridge Anlythica and Facebook had a revealing concept of data.

The Caravan.

After the blackface topic, Megyn Kelly gets fired from NBC.

In addition to the officers killed in Milwaukee, other officers in different parts of the Country also passed on in duty. Slightly higher than 2017.

Sears Stores as many shopped for years had announced the closing of their stores. Same with Toys R Us. (But came back as “Geoffery’s Toy Box” in the grocery stores)

Indonesia was hit with a Tsunami and an EarthQuake.

Several black pastors caused a stirring meeting with 45.

Hurricane Florence.

The “Russian Bots” and their interference in the elections and social justice concerns against the United States.

Cyber attacking hit the American Newspapers.

In recent reports, Teachers are quitting at a rapid pace within the 10 month period of the year.

The UK was struck with Racism around their Black History Month Celebrations in October.

The woes of Stormy Daniels.

Christine Blasey Ford vs Brett Kavanaugh.The Bad Locally

Racism, of course, struck Wisconsin. Not just in Milwaukee.

For the first time in 25 years: Klement Sausage lost its sponsorship via the Milwaukee Brewers.

For the first time in nearly 100 years, the Milwaukee Christmas Parade was canceled due to lack of funding support, and the family overseeing the parade had retired. Plus the singing bears were not around in the Grand Avenue Mall.

For the first time in 22 years (1996), 2 Milwaukee Police Officers were killed in the line of duty.

A tried attempt to acquire more federal funds for the Milwaukee Streetcar fell short in trying to expand the Vel Philips Avenue area to the Fiserv Forum.

FIRED COACHES: Mike McCarthy was fired from the Green Bay Packers after 13 seasons. Conversely, Jason Kidd was fired from the Milwaukee Bucks previously earlier in the year.

Foxconn remained in question about the legality of access to jobs and government.

By the numbers: The number of homicides in Milwaukee was at 101.

Opioids in the rural areas were mostly a problem and it remains a dilemma to this day.

In regarding the black pastors and 45, Bishop Darell Hines a local minister of Christian Fellowship Church also met with the enemy and not many were pleased. Especially FORMER Members and current antagonists.The Ugly Nationally

The unlikely viewpoint of White Women and some men calling the police on African-Americans due to being civilized and doing constructive aspects. Even jobs. Such as : Barbecuing While Black, Campaigning While Black, Working While Black, and Volunteering While Black.

Voter Suppression was unleashed harshly in several states. Especially among elderly black folks.

Blackfaces.

Kanye West meeting with 45. Then realizing it was a mistake.

The ongoing talk of 45’s Wall.

The VA encountered glitches for our veterans for their ongoing payments.

An unlikely turn of events, the City of Milwaukee’s Election Commission was under the scrutiny of the number of absentee ballots recorded that gave the victory to Tony Evers. Who lead the scrutiny? Governor Scott Walker.

Before on speaking good terms, the Brothers of Aaron Rodgers were not on the same page.

We Speak their names – last drink to those that passed on in 2018

Billy Graham

Stan Lee

Penny Marshall

George H.W. Bush

Barbara Bush

Aretha Franklin

Roy Clark

Dynamite Kid

Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart

Brian Lawler (aka Grandmaster Sexay)

Larry “The Axe” Henning

Nikolai Volkoff

Big Van Vader

Stephen Hawking

Burt Reynolds

Sen. John McCain

Mac Miller

Stephen Hillerburg

Joe Jackson

Robin Leach

Craig Mack

Bruno Sammartino

Winnie Mandela

Ken Berry

Neil Simon

Ed Schultz

Anthony Bourdain

Kate Spade

Verne Troyer

Charlotte Rae

R. Lee Emery

Richard Overton

XXXTenaction

We speak their names – Those that Milwaukee Lost Locally

Milwaukee Police Officers Charles Irvine, Jr. and Michael Michalski.

Sandra Parks

Shannon D. Mani

Kiara Brown

Alfred Bader

Vel Phillips

And the final analysis of my point of view: I must say that as a blogger in my own right, the creative side of this writing continues to thrive my ability to communicate. The fact of the matter is, my style is very much in its zone by itself. When the announcement came to me on Thanksgiving after I written the “Be Thankful” surpassing 1,000 posts that were like……where was this going? I am now extra motivated to do this even more.

If you the audience no matter where you’re from and if you checked out this blog beforehand or just now tuning in, thank you. Yes, this blog site has reached 1,000 plus posts and over 25,000 hits. But likewise, there is so much to discuss. Ideas like health, finance, employment, my city of Milwaukee, religion, social media and other avenues to explore. Even as a black man in America, I must write my stories.

Knowing that yes, writing 1,000 plus posts was and is, definitely hard work! It’s not easy at times, but when it’s on your mind to know and summarize of what’s going on in your community, that is when you get your mind jogging and get to work.

Everyone knows how this goes yet again. And it’s really simple. No need to link or google or even #Hashtag. Today, many around the country and in the household or other areas, we Americans will be celebrating that holiday of food called Thanksgiving. From the Parades to the NFL Games, Dog Shows, or other new traditional ideas that will boost the food day. And yes, there will be us going out to the clubs and shaking off the pounds to get loose for Christmas. Or staying home for the house parties.

And yes, there will be constant reminders of the horrors that our Native American brothers and sisters will not participate in this Thanksgiving Day due to the killing of their ancestors outside of a church on a Sunday morning many moons ago. Henceforth, The National Day of Mourning. We know this.

But this holiday, yes does have the two words of Be Thankful for the things and ideas we already have. So here in its 11th Anniversary tradition, here is another traditional Stephen’s Spot Thanksgiving Blog of “Be Thankful”. Break out the tablets, Smartphones, PC’s or laptops. Start reading!

If you have a GOOD PAYING job that is good for you and it pays well, be thankful.

If you don’t have a job and still looking and STILL not quitting, be thankful!

If you have good insurance, either health, auto, home or dental STILL be thankful.

If you have a good car or truck that gets you to work every day, and still runs well with or without repair be thankful.

If you FINALLY have a good doctor or you still don’t have one, but still want to get that monkey (and constant NAGGING) off your back, STILL be thankful about improving your health. And STILL trying. Take your time!

Now I need to say this: If you found out that you have a chronic illness like Diabetes, and you had a devastating moment of asking why it happened and didn’t have the words. But also you had conversations and online postings about those who have it already and knows the feelings of the battles, and you learn from them and they can inspire you to be better and get with the program of what they know, and still believe that it’s possible that you control diabetes and not let it get the best of you. In the month of National Diabetes Awareness Month: BE THANKFUL that you have a support system that can back you up. I’m learning that since February 20th this year. And personally, if you read my blog story about me being a now Type 2 Diabetic, I thank you.

If you have a cool dentist and he or she is good and professional, be thankful.

Like any year, if you have lost any loved one this year or years past, and still feel down that the space is empty or the chair is empty, and you want to fill it up with a new generation of family members that want to pull ahead, even close friends, we must try to be thankful to carry on. It’s hard, but we must. I still miss my father, and like last year, my Thanksgiving will be different without him.

If you had folks praying for you all year for all the things you’ve been experienced no matter good or bad, be thankful that there are folks that know, and are in your corner.

If you are expecting a raise in 2019 and will be getting it, be thankful!

Do you still love your gifts and talents that are unappreciated? And still, do them all the time? Be thankful!

If you still got your parents and/or relatives as your back up, be thankful that they still care.

If you had a sibling in the freaking hospital more than once, who is being taken care of and heard good news about coming home, and I know this AGAIN: BE THANKFUL!

If your Mother had a minor surgery done to remove kidney stones, and blood infections, and still be able to eat or move around then some: BE THANKFUL!

Got good neighbors that know you no matter how long? Be thankful.

Met any new neighbors lately? Be thankful.

Moved to a different city recently that you feel is best? Be thankful.

Moved back to a city that is best? Be Thankful.

Got a good plan to get that next step in your career, or a different career, and a mindset? Be thankful.

If you encountered a project or program that really SUCKED MAJOR BALLS and you tried your best, and you had a bad review to feel discouraged in all, but you also realized that there are other things you can do, still be thankful that you can still other things that make you stronger! To hell with the things that don’t work. Stay with the things that can work.

For all of my church folks: if you want your Church to succeed despite those want it to fail due to jealousy, BE THANKFUL that you are willing to fight!

If your birthday or anniversary is coming up or it already happened, be thankful!

If you are STILL very introverted and darn proud of it, and not ashamed to tell about it or embrace it, be thankful!

Single and not in a relationship? Be thankful.

Married with or without kids? Be thankful.

Single and no kids? Be thankful.

Single with kids? Be Thankful.

Divorced? Be thankful.

You still have a church home that you stay and willing to have your kids to grow IN THE CHURCH? Be thankful.

If you have been given a side gig, and love it to be paid with that cash money or checks, no matter what it is, be thankful.

Got a good pet or know a pet that knows you well? Be thankful.

If you STILL give back to your community, your Alumni, your Church, your Scholarship Committees, your Fraternity, your Sorority, your Unions or other groups that have been treating you good all this time, be thankful!

If you have served in your community as an Election Inspector (like me) for 12 years or more and still work, BE THANKFUL!

Wisconsin: If you have voted in this Election and if your favorite actually WON, BE THANKFUL!

If you STILL appreciate the value of your former teachers or coaches, or former principals, of anyone that knew your value of education, be thankful.

If you can’t wait to eat the meal that gives you life, be thankful you can still eat the grub.

Still avoiding fake news? Be thankful. They suck.

If you read the old blogs that I can’t control the reading, but still want to read what I want to say regardless from my black point of view, be thankful! Not just for me, but for you.

If you STILL got stuff in your house that you want to give away, be thankful. Somebody will take it.

Got a good business handy? And it’s good for you to make that money like Uber or Lyft or It Works? Hey, be thankful!

If you switch your career to a new company in the past year or will go to a new company, be thankful!

Own a business? Got your own time schedule? Invested in a product or material? Be thankful.

If you got many reachable sources to give, or to provide, or to share, or to support, and it’s really catching on, you better be thankful!

If you are planning to vote in 2019 and 2020, be thankful! Get your ballots ready.

If you are looking forward to another holiday weekend of fun, be thankful.

If you are NOT shopping on Black Friday, but willing to spend Black Friday outdoors in the woods or parks, Be Thankful! It’s a release to avoid a violent backlash.

If you are not shopping on Black Friday, but willing to spend your cash at a local business, or on Cyber Monday, be thankful.

If you are donating to your favorite charity on Giving Tuesday, Be thankful!

If you can’t wait to deck your halls for Christmas or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, AFTER Thanksgiving (some of you did it ahead of time) Be Thankful.

If you criticized Donald Trump for his “horrible so-far job” as President and his tweets, REALLY BE THANKFUL!

If you are breathing right now normally: be thankful.

If you were removed from a company that had you started in the game, then a rift in Management occurred, but went to another company that is good so far, BE THANKFUL!

If many in the black community have black pride PLUS Melanin Responsibility to uplift our black people without sarcasm and forced stuff, BE THANKFUL!

Now I have to say this again: If you kneeled while supported the protest of inhumane acts of people of getting brutalized by the police (as in the NFL Players) and support the idea of waving the flag: your thankfulness is valid because even though many of you supported a kneeling movement in a Colin Kaepernick way. NOTE: It’s not about the Flag or against the military or veterans. It’s about the ongoing concern of black folks getting the wrong treatments of social injustice!

If you are walking tall real good, be thankful.

If you are expecting a really good breakthrough, BE THANKFUL!

If you condemn any racist act on the internet, social media, at your job, or in the house, or in the neighborhood, or any act of disrespect, forced patriotism, and you had to write letters of complaints to a certain company, STILL be always thankful to get your voice heard! Put the pressure on them on not coming back!

If you are upgrading your house to be better, be thankful!

If you got a plan to take a vacation, be thankful.

If you still got your old game systems on a Throwback Thursday and they still work, be thankful!

If you still listen to your old school joints on your radio, or maybe some new school material, be thankful.

NOTE: For my readers that had to go through hell with the wildfires in California, and the Hurricanes out east, and still feeling hopeless. I want you all to understand that it’s a hard Thanksgiving Day for you as we know. But in a sense, you should be thankful that you can rebuild. And BE EXTRA THANKFUL that yet, you are still living! And be EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA THANKFUL that a breakthrough is coming for the better!

If you are a conscious-minded person, a defensive-minded person that you know is best, for your own opinions and viewpoints without any harm or hurtful feelings towards humanity, be thankful!

As of today: I’m thankful that Stephen’s Spot has now reached 1,000 posts! If you read all or some of a few blog posts within the past decade in all: BE THANKFUL! And I thank you for reading! More to come.

For my Sagittarius readers: guess what? Our season is back TODAY on Thanksgiving Day! Are we thankful, now? (SAGS RULE!)

And finally: If I missed anything that many have thought about, and it’s good: we all should be and forever so thankful that we must march on. Like they say at the black funerals: It’s already been said. It’s already done.

Before we Americans throw down on the turkey, yeah there will be political drama at the dinner table. There will be many other factors in which we will ask the question, what are we thankful for in all. It’s also a Thanksgiving that yet the truth will bust out that some of our Ingenious Native American Folks will not partake in the holiday due to the national day of mourning. If you’re not familiar with it, research! Even you might watch football and the ongoing traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushering the Christmas Season.

But likewise….I’m scratching my head again.

Milwaukee, how’s that streetcar thing doing? Overall, please. No Hop Haters from those who DON’T live in Milwaukee!

So it seems now that the People’s Flag and the Milwaukee Arts Board have to get back in talking about the ongoing idea of getting a new flag. We’ve all have seen it like everyday. But many will agree that the People’s Flag Folks HAVE NOT talked to the whole Milwaukee Community. Why?!

They say that the voting never mattered in the Governor’s race in Wisconsin, mainly Milwaukee. Ummmm, did anyone see the totals while yet folks complained?

Can you be a real church member and bring a level of consciousness that many might fear and still be loyal? Not talking about money in all.

Can the Wisconsin Badgers think big and quietly usher in better talent to run pistol plays? Be advised, Big Ten.

Black Woke Folks: we need to stop all this talk about getting us not to vote. And what is the reason why? Back off! Jeez!

Mostly, in that Georgia Election, the reason why Stacy Abrams lost was due to voter suppression, and I dare say: Racism. Agree or disagree?

Remember when the WWE or the WWF Survivor Series was ON Thanksgiving Day?

What will it take to get the Green Bay Packers to get red hot AGAIN?

You know that Country music has two African-American singers that are killing the scene right now. Like Kane Brown and Jimmie Allen. Heard of them? And Country Music is part of Black History!

Who still goes to the clubs and bars after the big meal on Thanksgiving to shake off the pounds?

How about those Milwaukee Bucks though?

And why did Andrew Gillum lose in Florida again, to really someone who is deemed racist?

Since November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, how really those who love our Military actually SUPPORT our Military? And how many of us really love our Veterans SUPPORT OUR VETS?!! Don’t start illing of not being a fake patriot.

It seems that this portrait in Baraboo sparked an outrage. Of course. But what was the real reason again? Let me guess: that blasted Nazi salute and of course that got Wisconsin in a bad light yet again.

I asked this question last time and I’ll ask it again: The Hallmark Christmas Show is back. Who’s still watching them?!

No offense to the Christmas decors but, why does Thanksgiving get suddenly skipped? I’m mean HELLO! Turkey Day is missing!

This is interesting: Sagittarius Season BEGINS on Thanksgiving Day. Sags: what are we thankful for 9th house rulers?

Remember when Thanksgiving shows actually was reclaiming their time?

Men, has #movember really sunk in? After all that no shave, November thing?

International Men’s Day had come and gone. Why is this day not formally recognized again? And why are the whiny feminists of the world, still treat as this day being sexist?

Speaking of Feminism: why target Kleenex for Mansize tissues again?

Wait a minute: there is a Football Game out the Nintendo Switch? Not Madden! But how do many like the MFL? As in the Mutant Football League? Rated M but this might attract those in the think tanks to actually MAKE A FOOTBALL GAME for the Switch! Madden, or make an “NFL 2K” Sports game. I’m calling this!

Men (and women), can we remind ourselves not to complain about International Men’s Day on International Women’s Day next year in 2019?!!!

When Thanksgiving Day is here: is it Macy’s, Football and Food? or is it Macy’s, Food then FOOTBALL?

When Thanksgiving is over, and for many of us who do not work on a Friday, why is it necessary for those who work on Thanksgiving have to start the Black Friday sales all early?

Speaking of Black Friday: NO SHOPPING FOR ME! But who will be the idiot of the moment when engaging in others for stuff on sale in a violent physical bloodbath? It’s bound to happen. You know it!

Speaking of Small Business Saturday: Who will actually shop locally? No national stuff!

I don’t get it. Since the victory of the recent Wisconsin midterm election, there might be some folks from the black community might call out the new administration of not being diverse enough. My question is: why aren’t many who are complaining (i.e. Facebook and Twitter) not applying?!!

Will Creed II be a hit?

In the last 100 seasons, how many games the Packers won on Thanksgiving? I know, I know. They got archives.

Yes, there was a time that the Native Americans were slaughtered outside after a church service on a Sunday, and years later it was dubbed as the National Day of Mourning. A real question: do many today know that part of the history?

Who might fill up the table that once was occupied by those who passed on?

Who will fill up the table and set a new tone for the big dinner?

And the last question before: how REALLY thankful are you? Like really?

Men of the world: Today of the 19th Day of November, is our annual day of us. International Men’s Day is here and yet many still complain. I think the many that are complaining are those of the feminists who constantly bash men like a bad habit. Females, you need to calm your nerves in all, this part is just for the guys. And there is a message in all this: it’s just our one stinking day of being appreciated.

With all that’s going on in the world full of mostly men wrecking the shops like ill-mannered clockwork, it’s safe to say that yes, there are of us that do the manly things around the game that need and should be paying attention too. Of course, men have to step up. OF COURSE! But the question is: how?

Here in Milwaukee, my local United Methodist Men’s folks within the past year have the decision to come together to generate our ability to revive a Men’s Group. In a way to get us actively involved in our local United Methodist Churches and also among each other. In a way of evangelism, mission, and outreach. And other factors that favor men. Here is the kicker: Men’s group in churches are a gray area. It’s not like the well rounded like the women’s groups. Yes, the women outnumber the dudes 3 to 1 in about everything. But the dudes have and must hold their own! Of course, we heard about the Men being the Heads and women being the tails. But mainly folks are forgetting, not every man can’t lead!

When this international men’s day was coming up, I had to reference back 8 months ago when we were asking the same ol’ tired question around International Women’s Day: “When is International Men’s Day?” Over and over again it was a hot-button topic and still is. Men, did we forget this? For the folks who complain and piss and moan all day: did we complain?! I’m sure many will complain in the next 4 months into 2019 that when another Women’s Day comes around, there will be many more complaints about asking about a men’s day that is worldwide. Already, folks are saying “We have Father’s Day!” or “The whole month of November is for the Movember Movement to get men to think about their health……” or “the pay gap is unfair and men are just messing up to get what we think!” Ya think?! Not really close. Of course, the pay gap is unfair and unbalanced. But that’s not the reason why International Men’s Day shouldn’t exist. And plus not every MAN is a FATHER! Let’s be clear, females! Stop saying Happy Father’s Day to the men who don’t have kids! When the men have children, then you can say that!

As I was reading the think tanks via Social Media, The Guardian Newspaper out of the UK, and talk shows like Ellen today, and even The Forum on Real Resistance Radio this morning: the theme of the day was talking about International Men’s Day. Many have joked about this day occurring, but when you think about these stats from the International Men’s Day Website:

“Men face a series of health challenges that need to be addressed in order to have our communities function to their fullest potential.”

With all the other health concerns listed here: we know that the average man dies early, getting lung cancer and yes heart disease/prostate cancer/colon cancer mostly more than women. BUT…..when you talk about Men dying more of Suicides and above all else being victims of Domestic Violence! Yes ladies, men can be victims of being abused physically, mentally, financially and yes spiritually. And other bad influential beings. Now we know why the International Men’s Day has come into the light since 1999. Be advised ladies!

It’s almost in comparison like, when we have let’s say in the United Methodist Church, a day set aside for Women for Women’s Day (depending on March or May) and yet Men’s Day is set aside for mostly in June around Father’s Day. And here’s another kicker: I don’t hear any complaints about having a UMW Group and UMM Group so why are we tripping about having a day for the Men? Grow up, folks.

Men of the world: yes all of us dudes that are single, married, widowed, divorced, in life partner relationships of any kind, active in the classroom, active at work, active in the Church, active in the community of choice, active as introverts (yes I’m one of them), active in the health fields, active in business ownership, active with fraternities, active in the military/veterans groups, active in entertainment,active in politics (in a nice way) active in many other factions: continue to guide your end of the ship to get to the point of where YOU want to go.

Men of the world whom are unemployed, underemployed, underappreciated, forgotten, overlooked, beaten up, scared for life, picked on, generally attacked, disrespected, physically/mentally/spiritually and financially attacked (by both MEN and WOMEN no matter what year or timeframe), discouraged, humiliated, embarrassed, or any other feeling of disrespect or left out: I would say man up, but excuse my french: HELL NO! If you are a man that has been wronged by these words, it’s ok. If you felt this way or still feeling this way, you are NOT A PUNK! I don’t know who started this crap to think that Men aren’t supposed to feel this way (either men or women) but this crap MUST STOP WITH MEN, PERIOD! It must stop with a strong family. It must stop with a strong education. Strong jobs, strong economic values, strong health and wellness, strong community, strong neighborhoods, strong faith, and a strong structure of better endeavors that many must grasp! It must STOP! And the rebuilding begins with healing. And I don’t know that forgiveness comes in at times, even though it’s hard to forgive.

And to the men who are the Dark Horses or the Unsung Heroes. And I’m one of these also. Those whom have been undiscovered and still have some talent: the folks will know your name. But for now, keep them guessing and keep your game under wraps. Be that STILL dark horse that many (either other men and women) will stop denying you! They will regret you for not picking you to join their team and I dare say employment!

Men, even though that this International Men’s Day of 2018 is coming to a close for another year, and all have happened, what will we do for International Men’s Day 2019: The 20th Anniversary? What will we do between this International Men’s Day and the next? What will we do? We hear it from the Women that Men need to step up. I agree! But again I ask as Man: a Black man from the United States of America: what’s next to step up too? That’s the million dollar question.

Now, ladies. You may talk. But enjoy OUR International Men’s Day, gents! Between now and the next November 19th every time. But not every March, OK?!

For more info about International Men’s Day, here is their link. I would say that this should be useful around every November 19th. But it can be useful to summarize every day!

Ok so now we are about two days removed from one of the most talked about midterms in history, I like everyone else is bone tired from the ads and also the get it over with the mentality of getting through with this election!

I think in this, Wisconsin had made another historical feat of this election. Yes, I said it!

So, answer me this Wisconsin folks what do you think was the determining factor of this midterm election? I’m going to say this I believe that the most common, and the most interesting and the most determining Factor was when Tony Evers and Scott Walker were in the dead heat of the governor’s chair. And eventually, it had a lot of twists and turns along the way. I had to admit, it was a lot of twists and turns in which that ultimately led to this one final decision that Tony Evers eventually won the election over Scott Walker. Man, we have to ask, how did Tony Evers pull this off? I mean for real how did he pulled this off? If you have been following the Tony Evers connection, you would have known that number one, Tony Evers is well known in Wisconsin. Particularly as a state superintendent of the schools. And two, that his supporters who wanted him to run kept it on the real down low. So yes, he worked like a ninja!

While on the other end, we all know by now that Mandela Barnes will be the new Lt. Governor for the State. On this point, he will be the FIRST African-American Male to hold that position. EVER. Wisconsin in its 170 years as a State in all, has NEVER had a black person to hold a position of Governor or Lt. Governor. I’ve asked in the past, when will Wisconsin have someone from the Black Community to be Governor or close to it? Well, it appears that the Lieutenant Governor part is done, but next in the future, the head Governorship is well in reach. Oh yeah, I’ve met Mandela on several occasions and yes he is an alum of my alma mater, John Marshall High School in Milwaukee. Speaking of that: when word got out that Evers and Mandela won, yes I shared the news article on my alma mater’s Facebook Page. There were about over 100+ likes on the Milwaukee Marshall HS Alumni page and yes there were many positive vibes. However, there’s always that one member that had to say something negative and dumb. The commenter brought about Mandela and this thing about “ratchet parties”.

In 2009, there was an advertisement on Facebook about this event called, “Vicky Parties” It was a lingerie party. And yes, Mandela’s name was attached to the event. Plus, he was just 22 years old. Now OK, a lot of us who are older than 22 years old can obviously say “well when I was 22, I didn’t do those things. I kept out of trouble and worked hard after college in all that.”

Don’t get me started! Yes, I was 22 also, and the thought about me going to ratchet parties was not even thought about. And guess what, at 22 I was still in college. A technical college in Milwaukee. Had a job working between classes in all and still living with my parents. So what? But in the case of Mandela Barnes though, this story that happened in 2009 means nothing! And yes the commenter on the Milwaukee Marshall Alumni Page ain’t saying nothing else about this 9-year story that MEANS NOTHING! Was Mandela arrested? Did he get booked? Was he even suspended without pay? Fined? What was the crime for this?! There were no booking papers. No arrest warrants. None of that. So what was the real crime here?! That story then and now means nothing and it’s still nothing. For all those who feel that especially that fool on Marshall’s Alumni Page thinks that this incident or story is not appropriate for him to serve the people of Wisconsin, you need to check 45 about him grabbing women by the Vagina Parts in all and oh, he won 2 years ago. Why is Trump NOT IN JAIL?! I’ll never know.

With them being the big winners in the State, the challenge of them will come up in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 to battle the now Republican-led Assembly that might limit powers of the Governor’s position out of the mouth of Speaker Robin Vos. And others who feel that it should have been Walker all the way. Well, this I think “power decrease idea” of Robin Vos is a high crime that needs to be broken because this is the same group of fools that were in favor of driving the way of the High-Speed Rail, budget repair bills, bragging about the 250,000 jobs (which NEVER HAPPENED) busting up Unions that was fairly well respected, slashing Education funding, Foxconn, not letting Hard Rock build a casino in Kenosha and many other blunders that the soon to be former Governor Numb Nuts had messed up! And the barrier of this, many of this really started in Milwaukee where Walker was using computers on company time as County Executive. Oh, don’t you remember that? This soon to be former Governor was just that: dumb! And this is the same guy was going around with his high school diploma and failing college out of Marquette University? This guy?!

So after 8 dismal years of pain, in the state of Wisconsin: Walker IS DONE! He along with Rebecca Kleefisch (a former Milwaukee Channel 12 reporter mind you) can pack their bags and leave Madison. They have done their damage and yet they can go. Let them get their lack thereof acknowledgments and all and after that: BE GONE!

Now I want to shift gears here: I need to talk about the role of African-Americans and this disdain of one person’s opinion of being black and voting should not be vital. Press play.

Black Conscious Folks: shut your mouths! I’m just listening to Roland Martin’s segment on Tom Joyner’s Morning Show. And a lot of us have been telling other black folks that we shouldn’t be voting and such.

If many of us on social media got these so-called conscious folks that have no endgame, no purpose, no goals, always pointing the finger at others but not themselves, thinking they are all smart and such other things: let them go! Take them off your lists, your contacts, your buddy lists and get them off your life right now! You don’t need some so-called conscious fool who thinks like Malcolm X or an Original Black Panther telling you not to vote and it doesn’t have a goal for political objectives. You all who have them on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Snapchat, and countless others: Delete them! Take them off the list. They are not worth talking to.

All of our lives, politics have been in us. From the Cradle to the Grave. It’s going to impact all of us. And it still does. So I don’t want to hear some fake conscious dude about “oh don’t vote, there is no black agenda….” Look here: If you want a black agenda you need to step up your game and actually work to create one! Why don’t you create one that could benefit the valor of the BLACK COMMUNITY?! Oh yeah, we know it, BUT how long can it be valuable?

Black folks, I know we are conscious proud people. No question. But again, we need to stop listening to all these fake conscious negroes that telling us about this disdain about not voting and other stuff. And that goes for following folks on your Social Media lists who feel that all Pastors are evil wearing Fake Jesus Shirts being a demigod. Or believing that so much about them and not about many. They don’t have an answer. Just opinions. Bad opinions!

Well to conclude, Wisconsin: we got work to do. In the words of our state motto: FORWARD!

Well as we know, the 2018 season of the Milwaukee Brewers has ended. As you’re reading this they didn’t beat the LA Dodgers but they beat them 4 games to 3 in a Best of 7 for the NL Pennant. Flaws were a concern, as well as positives. Plainly speaking the season wasn’t a total embarrassment. However that speaking, the team like 2011 had a “Strange Brew of Confidence” of actually making a name for themselves and for the city. So with that, I present to the squad this blog letter.

Dear Milwaukee Brewers:

It’s me, Stephen. And I’m potentially observing you.

Call this: “Strange Brew of Confidence, part II.”

First, let me say as a “Fan Observer in training” and I can cosign with the rest of the Brewer Nation these two words: Thank You. Thank you for all the highlights and best moments that you ground all this time and getting this far. Thanks for that!

I for one kind of got in late. Forgive me on this. Yes, I’ve been observing. The reason why I observe the squad because I think I wanted to see how the season would go. No, I’m not a die hard, and by the way, Die-Hard Fans GO HARD! They stay loyal every day like The Pack Daddy on Packer Sunday Football Games! Yes, the idealistic was captured and was presented to us in a “Brewer Fashion”.

Oh yes, the season was fun. Fun seeing Eric Thames being that home run guy that everyone wanted to see. Or the rise of Christian Yelich as a player in the making. Or Jesus Aguliar making nods on camera after smashing homers. The rise was coming.

On the flipside was this ongoing saga of Josh Hader and the discovery of racist tweets discovered after the All-Star Game. In which we were all puzzled about the standing ovation after the discovery. And let this be known that yes, Josh Hader WAS WRONG! And yes many of us, or should I say Baseball Fans also had to ask, is it wrong to support Josh Hader after what he said, in the VERY SAME WEEK that Hulk Hogan was reinstated into the Hall of Fame status of the WWE after what he said years ago of someone non-white who would date his daughter? This remains to be a hot button topic, but there is no denying his pitching ability for strikeouts.

Speaking of that: Jeremy Jeffress. I’ve been studying him. However, he needs to concentrate on his game in executing the finish! Gotta work on him. Just needs to be sharp with the strikeouts!

Also since we are thinking this, I’m going to say it. Eric Thames must come back. Now we all know that he had an injury that kept him out most of the games. However, I think that if he were playing against Dodgers in the NLCS in all of the game series, in my estimation: the Brewers (NOT THE DODGERS) would be in the World Series facing the Red Sox right now. Just my thing to say. But the same October 20th date in which the Crew was eliminated, is the same date that the 1982 Wallbangers lost Game 7 to the St. Louis Cardinals. And I was 5 years old then. But anyway, I think what I said had nothing to do with Eric in all, but just to think if he were playing though, the Brew Crew would be World Series Bound. I’m just saying in my view.

Other than that, after the stunt of Manny Machado did on Jesus Aguliar, I’m glad that the Brewers did not get him! I’ll be not surprised if Boston beats him. On the flip switch in all, the rise of Jesus will indeed continue. He has to be sharp! Others like Ryan Braun who has been on the squad for a while is still getting his reps. Now I need to comment about Christian Yelich. He’s a good player. Had that cycle going in all. He’s really good. But I want Christian to be better than he was this year. And the others like Eric Kratz, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain, Orlando Arcia, Manny Pina, Brandon Woodruff, Corey Knebel, Travis Shaw, Corbin Burnes, and a host of others are all good, but still NEED TO BE MORE SHARP if making a run to the postseason for 2019, while staying on top the NL Central.

Finally, I need to comment on these words: DefendMKE. Actually, I really like the concept of it. I say save that #DefendMKE for next year and beyond. I don’t want it to be just for the Brewers game only. I want that to be a way of life. EVERYDAY! Because every day, there is always the negative about the city that we know. Crime. Segregation. Racism. Not enough jobs. You know it. It’s not just the job of the Brewers to “DefendMKE”, it’s the job of EVERY citizen who works, plays, volunteers, contributes, and mainly has to do the honorable thing by really standing up for the city no matter what. We know it’s a hard, medium-sized climate here. And it’s on the rise in some areas. But the ideal about Defending Wisconsin’s largest city may be controversial for some (who may have moved out) but the fact of the remaining citizens here, we need to really defend this town in a new way to prove that we have to deal with right now. So I say this: EVERY Milwaukeean (and Milwaukeeans at heart) should properly adopt #DefendMKE in a way that needs to be done. Maybe change it up like #DefendMilwaukeeNow or #DefendBrewCity or, I don’t know. As long it’s cool with Major League Baseball.

On the Stephen’s Spot Twitter page and as well as the Stephen’s Spot Facebook Page, I made the references at the Brewers as a Dark Horse team. I kept saying “Dark Horses” a lot for a reason. And I’m like….that’s them. They are the Dark Horses into the Postseason. No one I think never saw them coming and expecting them to be in the race this far. No one. I didn’t see it coming. But then again, they earned the right to be Dark Horses. And also in the ongoing hashtagging of #ThisCrewThisOctober #TakeBackTheNLCentral #TakeTheNLCS in all, it was just about hyping up the Crew for the postseason. Hey, this was the hometown Brewers here.

Oh did I mention that there were other “Brewer Fever” things like this we know that was floating around?

Or this one in which a local Milwaukee Rap Group made a song about Christian Yelich:

Or this sign outside of City Hall?

Or the question which logo was the best? – We know it’s the long loving Ball and Glove shaped like the MB.

And yes, our Milwaukee County Transit thing was on point:

In conclusion: 2018 Milwaukee Brewers Organization in all, you’ve had a good season. Many of us who are not baseball fans had probably missed out. But if given the energy and opportunity for next season, get the doors open. Let us see what we need to do in order to get this interesting. Let us see what is needed and interested for us. After all, it’s been 48 years since the debut. It’s been 61 years since Milwaukee had a World Series Championship. And yes it’s been a long minute that this team, this Brewers Company can break out of the funk of being a “lovable team” into a “powerhouse of opportunity” to get a championship. NL, maybe. A World Series? Still on the radar.

Oh, yes I need to address all the drivers in Milwaukee. If you are a young driver that honks at a car or minivan while they come out of the driveway or pulling over to the side, or anything that giving more seasoned drivers more gray hairs of being correct, guess what: I’m talking to you.

Many of you whom drive around like this, are very arrogant. WHY? All because of getting in a big hurry? What’s the hurry? All because of some blunts or going over to see your girl or guy?

I really need to let this out here because it’s becoming a problem among many in the Milwaukee Area that doesn’t give a rat’s carcass about safe driving! When did all these stupid rules came up from making u-turns ILLEGALLY on a busy major street?! Like seriously?! And drivers now a days, will go into the right lane and when the light turns green, they cross over left WITHOUT A FREAKING SIGNAL!

My father warned me way before his death that when you are coming out of the driveway, the drivers coming on 41st street between Capitol and Fiebrantz, seem to honk at you and you are just getting out of your driveway to take off! When DID THIS become a rule?! Back in the day, it was not a problem. Now with all the reckless driving, it’s becoming a joke of the driving idiots making a big hurry speeding faster than 25 miles per hour. IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD!

On two occasions: I almost have close encounters with stupid drivers not being in my blind spot! One occasion I was driving north on Green Bay Avenue towards Hampton and I wanted to make a lane change to the left. I tried to make a change, but there a driver that honked at me. That driver was not in my blind spot! I eventually had to go up another block just to get to Hampton Avenue. Shameful! It almost happened again on the second occasion on the north side just to get to those big hurries.

I’m thinking about doing this and if anyone disagrees with this notion, you can write your own blog on your own platform: I am considering getting a camera installed for one of my vehicles. Dashcams, or maybe a Camera that ranges movements while I’m behind the wheel. When I take that picture of the vehicle, the license plate, date/time/location: I’m sending that to the police. Or any other enforcement agency. I’m not playing. If we’re supposed to be about safe driving I’m all for it. But when it comes to the stupid crazy drivers, who don’t probably have insurance or full of legal marijuana or many other factors, pictures will be taken! I might even publish some here!

And that goes for dumb shoppers at Wal-Mart and many others too! Kind of what I encountered with this man back in the summer:

Look, this man accused me of skipping a check out line at Wal-Mart back in June and many had to know it was hot that day. And the thing was, my intent was not to skip those that was waiting in line for like 5 minutes. My attention was focused on the self checkout register was right near where I was standing. And I distinctly heard the workers that it took cash and card. Again my intent was not to skip. Hell, if wanted to skip, I’ll go back to MPS lunch lines. I say the fault in this: Wal-Mart employees. Yeah I said it. If they have been more orderly in the checkout lines that wouldn’t be the case!

In the case of this man pictured: he assumed wrong! I took this pic because just to serve a reminder that there will be no mess. I’m thinking about doing a “wall of shame” page to get the idiots pictured here to create a reminder that its no more messing around!

Well, it has been a minute that I have written a scratch blog, but as I sat back and listened to all the mess in regarding 45, Brett Kavanaugh, the Midterms, and more stories of women getting raped and others, it’s clear that this came at the right time. There is no question about it.

But yes, I’m scratching my head again.

Males: we know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But during September, did we wore light blue for Prostate Cancer Awareness? And oh, why don’t we see no “Fight like a Boy” gear or stickers with the light blue ribbon?!

When it comes to Introverts and yes I’m one of the many, why that is still a problem for many WHO DON’T UNDERSTAND?! Ask your kinfolk, church folks, co-workers, teachers, etc.

25 years ago, I was so hooked on the Wisconsin Badgers Football team. How has that team really paved way for the next squads that did Rose Bowl wins? Even for the school, and the state? Plus that 1993 squad was the first I saw winning something, ever!

It seems that the Brett Kavanaugh saga is just starting to unravel. All these back stories coming out. And just today, a key Republican Susan Collins just supported to get him on the bench of the Supreme Court. Women I need to ask, you really back this crap? And many feel that the decision “raped” every single American today! Screwed up! If only just only that the more votes should have happened in November of 2016………oh wait!

45 just made a comment about the concern about the sake of the nation’s boys. Really?! What brought this on? Like seriously.

In the local midterms of Wisconsin, if Scott Walker were to win in November, it would be his last. Should Tony Evers and Mandela Barnes just make that happen like under 30 days? Like November 6th?

For all the so-called Woke Conscious folks: Can you please lay down your weapons for once and actually VOTE THE F UP?!

How will the 2018-19 Wisconsin Badgers do without those whom cowardly left the squad?! Come on, man!

Oh, it seems that Halloween is upon us. Let me guess, which demons should we exercise right now? Even if his name is……..you guessed it. Same with females.

For all of the movies lately, why Venom?

For all of my Introverted folks: whatever you do, please do not be a Summer Program Developer in your community! It’s not for us being semi-communicative. Is there a way that there are Developer Programs that INTROVERTED folks can come to? No matter if it’s for a church, or community organization? I need answers! And plus it’s a problem if you have no training or apprenticeships! Or should I say ONGOING Training or Apprenticeships?

Since it’s already Autumn, what has or will be an “Autumn Suprise” coming up? And everyone will be talking about it. Just wait.

I should ask: what’s up with those Brewers? In a good way? Postseason wise.

Why is the United Methodist Church talking about the One Church Plan stuff, and not enough of it is being presented to the Black Methodist Community? Like Black Milwaukee?!

While many of you are laughing about this, the Milwaukee Streetcar (aka The Hop) is debuting on Friday, November 2nd, 2018. Which is like 2 days after Halloween. And 20 days before Thanksgiving. And many of the FB laughable are still making jokes. Hmmm…..we’ll see who has the last laugh. Won’t we?

Is the Fiserv Forum really ready for the new era of Milwaukee Sports and Entertainment? Will the Bradley Center be missed like already, The Marcus Amphitheater at Summerfest?

For my black British folks, I know that October is your month of Celebrating Black History. And yes there were or are Hackers that tried to shut your page down in a racist manner. Man, check those fools! STAY WOKE! Why? The hackers are just scared of the truth about black culture, black existence, and black excellence in all areas! And yet they hack the pages in order to have this fear. Again: As we Black Americans would say, STAY WOKE! Any questions?

Why this quote means well? “Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.”

When we say “It’s Harvest Time” we really mean to say, it’s time to take in the plants. Agree?

Why is Columbus Day is still celebrated in America, KNOWINGLY Columbus was really a thief?! Can’t stand the holiday! And usually bad luck for me gets around Columbus Day. Not with it!

With the blue wave still intact, can it withstand the October Surprise?

How will Black Lightning favor for Season 2?

I’m sure many are not job shaming Geoffrey Owens now since he is no longer bagging groceries for Trader Joe’s, right? Ever since that boost from Tyler Perry giving him a shot on The Haves and the Have Nots.

This needs to be asked: why isn’t the WWE promoting Prostate Cancer Awareness in September? We know Childhood Cancer Awareness and Breast Cancer Awareness. But yes the Men’s Health Awareness must be included. I’m just saying, WWE!

Wishful thinking: should the franchise of Revenge of the Nerds be rebooted? Nah, keep the originals!

Since the Packers are in their 100th Season, has it been a slow start? But hey, they’ve started slow and got hot when it’s stone cold. Prove me wrong.

Millennials, your favorite latte season is back. Oh, you know we still say Fall or Autumn, right?

And the last thing to ask: now since Bill Cosby is in jail, and many of the folks non black usually goes free, and you know many ask: why is still the Justice system is BROKEN?! Many because of unfair treatments?!